4 reasons why your savings aren't earning as much as you thought

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• Although people are continuing to save, some aren't seeing their savings grow as quickly as they thought.
• High-yield savings accounts are better than traditional savings accounts for growth.
• You may also need to increase the amount that you are saving to take advantage of higher APYs.

Inflation is increasing the cost of everything, from groceries and gas to school supplies. This makes saving money and planning ahead for expenses even more important.

Although many Americans are saving regularly, most are leaving money on the table by not taking advantage of this high-interest rate environment. Just having some savings in the bank isn't enough, and it doesn't always mean you're earning the APY you should.

Here are four reasons your savings aren't growing as much as you thought, and what you can do about it.

1. You aren't keeping savings separate

Your savings should be in a separate account from the money you use for everyday spending — a savings account, not a checking account. When you have all of your income in one account, it's more difficult to determine what to spend and what not to, and to keep track of what is actually being saved.

Keeping your savings in a separate savings account leaves it untouched and allows it to grow. Even better: Set up automatic deductions from your paycheck into your savings account.

I actually have a savings account with a separate bank, and I do not have a debit card for it. That way, I keep myself from using those funds unless it is absolutely necessary.

2. You're still using a traditional savings account

Traditional savings accounts are certainly one way to save your money, but they're not ideal, especially now. The average savings account interest rate in the U.S. is 0.43% APY, but high-yield savings accounts are paying much more.

Multiple high-yield savings accounts are paying 4.80% APY and higher right now. With a higher annual percentage yield, your money can make more money just sitting in savings.

3. You aren't meeting the requirements for the highest APY

Check with your bank and read the fine print for the specific requirements to get the highest APY available. For example, you may need to maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposits to receive the highest APY advertised.

Some banks may have a new customer restriction — meaning that if you learn that your bank is offering a higher APY, it may only be for new customers, and that new, higher rate isn't available to you. If that's the case, don't panic: You're allowed to open multiple accounts at different banks and get a better rate on your savings.

4. You aren't saving regularly

The more you save, the more money you have to grow. No matter how high the interest rate, it is applied to the balance that is in the account. So the more you save, the more you can potentially earn due to compound interest on the increased balance.

Find ways to increase the amount you are saving. Don't think that you have to do it all at once. You can increase the amount steadily over time. The key to saving successfully is consistency.

When I first started saving, I had $50 each pay period automatically deducted from my paycheck and deposited into my savings account. Now I save much more, but it grew over time. The important thing is to keep saving. I have seen my savings grow over time by automating my savings, opening a high-yield savings account, and increasing the amount I save.

This article was originally published in August 2023.